IPL's in-form teams clash at the Wankhede
Mumbai Indians have made a remarkable turnaround to their season, winning their last five matches to enlarge the mid-table pack chasing a playoff spot, while Royal Challengers Bangalore have also picked up the pace, already collecting more points than the
The Preview by Nikhil Kalro
09-May-2015
Match facts
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Start time 1600 local (1030 GMT)
Start time 1600 local (1030 GMT)
Big Picture
Mumbai Indians have made a remarkable turnaround to their season, winning their last five matches, to enlarge the mid-table pack chasing a playoff spot. In other words, Mumbai have emulated their 2014 campaign where they qualified for the playoffs after losing their first five games.
The next challenge for Mumbai is to find a way past a rejuvenated Royal Challengers Bangalore outfit, who have already got more points in 10 games this season than they did in the whole of last. Chris Gayle, who was rested in the loss to Chennai Super Kings, returned to bludgeon a 57-ball 117 against Kings XI Punjab.
With injuries abundant in the early stages of the tournament, both teams struggled to find the right XI, and it is no coincidence that wins were scarce. Now, with both camps having found settled starting line-ups, the points are starting to rack up, intensifying the race for the top four.
Mitchell Starc, who missed the first three games, has been conspicuous by his presence and helped significantly in turning around the fortunes of Royal Challengers with his bowling. On the other side, Lasith Malinga will be determined to put up yet another show of specialised death bowling. Both bowlers, currently indispensable to their respective teams, have picked up 15 wickets this season.
Form guide
Mumbai Indians WWWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Royal Challengers Bangalore WLWWW
Royal Challengers Bangalore WLWWW
Watch out for...
Forced to sit out the match against Chennai Super Kings, Lasith Malinga will return for the crucial clash against Royal Challengers. He has come into his own this IPL, not only bowling yorkers at will and picking up wickets, but also mentoring the rest of the fast bowlers.
Since the promotion of AB de Villiers to No. 3, Royal Challengers have lost just one in their last six games, and won three. Royal Challengers' top order consists of their best batsmen, and a combination of either of these match-winners for any length of time is bound to put Mumbai under pressure.
Stats and trivia
Quotes
"I do run a lot, I'll tell you that. I have to run for the guys. I cannot be selfish."
Chris Gayle insists he is not just about hitting fours and sixes.
Nikhil Kalro is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo